'The resemblance of it, at least,' cried I, 'for I have your ladyship's portrait.'
'My portrait!' said she with a sneer.
'As sure as your name is Nell Gwyn,' cried I; 'for Nell Gwyn is written under it; and let me add, that you would have consulted both your own taste, and the dignity of our house better, had you got it written Eleanor instead of Nell.'
'You little impertinent reprobate!' exclaimed she, feeling the peculiar poignancy of the sarcasm. 'Begone this moment, or I will have you drummed through the village!'
I waved my hand in token of high disdain, and vanished.
'Well,' said Stuart, as I got to the carriage, 'has her ladyship acknowledged your claims?'
'No, truly,' cried I, 'but she has turned me out of my own house—think of that!'
'Then,' said he, springing from the chaise, 'I will try whether I cannot succeed better with her ladyship;' and he went into the house.
I remained in a state of the greatest perturbation till he came back.
'Good news!' cried he. 'Her ladyship wishes to see you, and apologize for her rudeness; and I fancy,' added he, with a significant nod, 'all will go well in a certain affair.'